South Roscommon wind farm bid expected within two months

A final layout of the proposed €100 million Seven Hills Wind Farm in South Roscommon has been published online hot on the heels of the news that the project has been judged a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) - meaning that developers can bypass the council and submits plans directly to An Bord Pleanála for decision.

The plans from Energia and Galetech Energy Developments, which now comprises of up to 20 turbines – one fewer than originally proposed – can be viewed at www.sevenhillswindfarm.ie, where a virtual exhibition is also available for the public to find out more or engage with the process.

The company behind the wind farm has confirmed to the Westmeath Independent that it is now in the process of drafting a planning application and hopes to lodge it within two months.

The final layout shows a cluster of seven wind turbines in the Dysart area, and 13 in Taughmaconnell, with a typical output of up to 6MW per turbine, which in total is capable of generating enough green energy to power nearly 85,000 Irish homes, the company says. The turbines will have a ground to tip height of up to 180 metres.

Among the townlands earmarked for the project include Gortaphuill and Cronin in Dysart, while it will come close to Boleyduff, Cloonacaltry and Skyvalley in Taughmaconnell.

Electricity generated on-site will be exported via an underground cable to the existing 110kV substation in Athlone, the online exhibition explains, adding that the grid connection will be installed within the public road network.

Cllr Tony Ward, who lives in nearby Curraghboy, says the people are “up in arms” and “very unhappy” that this scheme has been resurrected having battled and won in courts just a few years ago to overturn it.

Despite the challenges that Covid-19 restrictions has placed on the local group to organise, the community will fight this latest plan with all its might and will be putting in a strong submission to An Bord Pleanála.

“No exhibition is going to change that the company wants to erect 20 huge turbines 180 metres high, that's huge,” he said, adding that there are grave fears about the effects on the turloughs, especially given what has happened in Lough Funshinagh.

“If you look at the layout part of it is in Skyvalley, and the rock there is a on par with the Burren,” he said of the karst area.

“That whole area is completely unsuitable for wind turbines. If you're looking at it, the lands and Killeglan Springs supplies 70 to 80% of the water source for South Roscommon. There are fears too about interfering with turloughs... It can cause untold damage,” added the Independent representative.

Energia said it hopes to be able to re-schedule sessions of face-to-face engagement with local households by appointment, should Covid restrictions allow.

In the meantime, it is asking the public to continue to engage with the online exhibition which it is describing as a 'virtual village hall’ enabling users to click and view information banners, photomontages, maps and information on community benefits and the planning process.

Users of the platform will also be able to leave feedback and contact the Energia and GED team for further information.

A brochure will also be available to download. This will be delivered to residents living within a 2km radius of the proposed site, near Dysart.

“This is an important milestone for the project as we are now in a position to share the final proposed layout of turbines with the local community.

“The launch of the virtual exhibition platform is the culmination of months of public consultation and survey work, and we would like to thank all those who have contributed,” a spokesperson for the Seven Hills project said. Anyone can call 1800140232 to request a callback.

The Seven Hills wind farm will also provide a community benefit fund to help support local community projects, taking account of local needs.